BASSMASTER.COM LISTS THREE KANSAS LAKES IN TOP 100 FOR BASS

May 3, 2012Perry, Wilson, Keith Sebelius reservoirs listed among best in country; others may be as good or betterPRATT — Bassmaster.com has recently listed three Kansas reservoirs in its list of top 100 bass fishing lakes in the U.S. Perry, Wilson, and Keith Sebelius reservoirs received honors, ranking 60th, 77th, and 87th, respectively. The rankings were determined using information from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) annual electro-shocking and angler surveys; B.A.S.S. Federation Nation state presidents’ opinions based on state tournament results; B.A.S.S. Federation Nation conservation directors rankings based on access, stocking practices, and current health of fisheries; and opinions from a blue ribbon panel of experts, including outdoor writers, Elite Series anglers, and fishing industry leaders from across the country.

While this is bodes well for Kansas anglers, there may be even better news. 2012 is stacking up as a great year for Kansas bass anglers statewide.

“We have a tremendous smallmouth bass fishery at Coffey County Lake, too” says Doug Nygren, KDWPT Fisheries Section chief. “LaCygne Lake will rival any lake in the state for big largemouths. But Sebelius may be our best because it has smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass. And many of our small- to medium-sized lakes always have great bass fishing.”

“Anglers know that great bass fisheries are not created in one year,” adds Kyle Austin, KDWPT’s hatchery system supervisor. “The past three or four years have been very good for bass fisheries in Kansas lakes. We’re in really good shape.”

Nygren agrees. “This is going to be an above-average year for bass in our reservoirs.”

So whether you’re fishing one of the Bassmaster.com Top 100 or one of the state’s many other great bass lakes, this should be a an outstanding year for Kansas bass anglers. For a sneak peek at the top lakes in the state this year, go online to the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com, and click “Fishing/Fishing Forecast.” Now go fish.-30-